New mega technology event ConnecTechAsia 2018 begins today

June 26, 2018

6 Min Read

Minister Iswaran (C) with industry and UBM executives at the opening ceremony of ConnecTechAsia 2018.

ConnecTechAsia 2018, the new mega technology event comprising CommunicAsia, BroadcastAsia, and the new NXTAsia, has officially opened today at Marina Bay Sands and Suntec Singapore with Guest-of-Honour Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information officiating the opening ceremony.

In his opening address, Minister Iswaran highlighted Southeast Asias potential even as the region rapidly develops on the digital front. With Singapore at the epicenter, the governments InfoComm and Media Industry Transformation Map and Digital Economy Framework for Action will prepare Singapore to be a leading digital economy.

ConnecTechAsia is expected to draw over 35,000 attendees who will be able to experience the latest technologies from 1,800 exhibitors (67% from Asia) and hear from over 220 thought leaders including industry heavyweights such as Alibaba Cloud International, Google Cloud, Huawei and Netflix at the ConnecTechAsia Summit, which runs alongside the 3-day exhibition.

Key topics include emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, cloud, robotics and immersive technologies, set against the convergence of the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) sector that is driving a fast-evolving digital and business landscape.

The three-day ongoing event which will last till June 28 covers the whole ecosystem of info-communications, broadcasting and emerging technologies.

The new umbrella event is a reflection of the converging industries of Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) and the dynamic evolution of a fast-changing digital and business landscape in Asia.

Speaking about the event, Victor Wong, Event Director, UBM Singapore, organiser of ConnecTechAsia said: New emerging technologies such as IoT and AI present significant opportunities for businesses but are at the same time causing disruption across all industries.

Bringing our shows under one brand has allowed us to better serve our core audience and build a new segment amidst the backdrop of converging industries and an increasingly inter-connected landscape brought about by digital transformation.

Under this new brand, ConnecTechAsia covers a holistic view of infrastructure, innovation, services, and thought-leadership, enabling businesses and governments in Asia to navigate and adapt to this new era of digital convergence and Industry 4.0. The event will see more than 900 product launches, 1,800 exhibitors from 52 countries/regions and 40 group pavilions.

Over at ConnecTechAsia Summit, 220 thought leaders including industry heavyweights such as Alibaba Cloud International, Google Cloud, Huawei and Netflix will examine the latest business strategies, trends and issues dominating digital convergence across three key tracks  NetworkComms, EmergingTech and BroadcastMedia.

NXTAsia: Transform the Future

This year marks the debut of NXTAsia, dedicated to spotlighting how emerging technologies  such as AI, robotics, blockchain, VR/AR, IoT and Cloud  are impacting industries and businesses across Asia.

Basement 2 of Marina Bay Sands plays host to the PlayGround – an interactive zone for visitors looking to experience the future of Smart Cities. Attendees can test-drive the Hyundai IONIQ Electric, a zero-emissions, all-electric car, catch OTSAWs OR-3 outdoor autonomous security robot in action as it uses AI and self-driving technologies to patrol the streets, and also witness the potential of smart residences and offices at Habitaps showcase area.

Also on display are the latest smart city innovations from ST Engineering Electronics, including IoT-enabled Smart Lamp Posts and the Virtual Reality Incident Response Trainer, which delivers realistic scenario-based training for defence and frontline officers. Such innovations are fast gaining traction, with global smart cities initiatives projected to reach $80bn in 2018 and expand to $135bn in 2021.

Speaking about the company’s latest solutions, Yao Shih Jih, General Manager, Info-Comm Systems at ST Engineering Electronics said: Smart cities are emerging as an important priority for governments, businesses and also citizens. Beyond the benefits of efficiency, smart cities increase the quality of life and through technology forge a connected and liveable society.

Situated next to the PlayGround is Big Bang at NXTAsia, a brand new one-day unconference style experience, spotlighting disruptive solutions and new ideas from leading minds in AI, robotics, Industry 4.0 and future industries. Speakers include key leaders from UBTech, University of Tokyo and Siemens Digital Factory among others.

Commenting on Huawei’s role at the event, Lim Chee Siong, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of Huawei Southern Pacific Region said: The world we know today is closer than ever, with more than half of the global population now connected to the internet. Next-generation networks such as 5G will be pivotal to realising a fully connected, intelligent world, Huawei strives to build an open and collaborative ecosystem founded on shared success to provide the best products, services, and solutions to customers.

Also new at CommunicAsia is the Thailand Connect seminar, co-organised with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). The session will focus on the opportunities arising from the countrys latest developments and key announcements on new projects like the IoT institute in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Thailand, Southeast Asias second largest economy, is fast becoming a draw for investors as the government embarks on a renewed approach towards an innovation-led economy with its Thailand 4.0 initiative.

BroadcastAsia: Capture the Future

BroadcastAsia highlights the evolving broadcast and production industries with the emergence of technologies such as OTT platforms, Live Production, UHD content, and the latest cinematography and film production equipment, including 4K and 8K cameras from exhibitors such as Arri, Canon, Panasonic, RED and Sony. Attendees can also look forward to insightful sessions from industry leaders from Netflix, BBC, Mediacorp, Ooyala, ZengaTV and more, who will discuss the role of social media and new technologies such as blockchain and how AI is redefining business models.

The first-ever live esports tournament, the Southeast Asian League (SEAL), is staged at the Esports Arena Studio within BroadcastAsia. The three-day live streamed Hearthstone tournament provides an immersive experience, with guided tours and behind-the-scenes look at the production and technology that is core to the game. Hearthstone Global Games 2018 Singapore anchor, Samuel ‘Sequinox’ Chan, and Asian Games 2018 Singapore representative, Gerald ‘Khaius’ Chew, are among the esports stars that attendees can get up close with.

Another new feature area is Radios New Wave, which highlights the future of radio broadcasting and discusses shifts in audience behaviour impacted by streaming services such as Spotify and Amazon.

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